Patients

FULL FIELD DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY

The American Cancer Society recommends that all women 40 and over have a yearly screening mammogram. A screening mammogram is done on women who are asymptomatic, i.e. not currently experiencing any breast problem or symptom such as nipple discharge, lump, or pain in the breast. This exam consists of two images of both breasts in order to detect abnormalities that might indicate the presence of breast cancer. Patients might be recalled for additional imaging of the breasts depending on what the radiologist sees on the mammogram. A physician’s order is not necessary for screening mammogram. However, any treatment should be reported to your primary care physician or OB-Gyn. We ask that patients supply us with a physician’s name to send their report.

With the technology of digital mammography, images are obtained faster and can be manipulated to help identify abnormalities in the breast that might otherwise be missed on conventional mammograms.

Benefits of Digital Mammography:

LOWER RADIATION DOSES

HIGHER SENSITIVITY TO ABNORMALITIES

INCREASED IMAGE QUALITY

Diagnostic mammogram is performed on a patient who presents with a clinical complaint in the breast, such as a lump, pain, or discharge from the nipple. A physician referral is required for all diagnostic mammograms.

During the course of any mammogram, it is important to obtain good quality images. This is achieved by allowing the technologist to compress your breast; allowing the breast tissue to be spread out which can facilitate identifying abnormalities. However, the technologist will work closely with you to reach the level of compression that you can tolerate. The breast compression only lasts for seconds.

How to Prepare for your imaging:

Allow 30 minutes for the exam. Please indicate whether you have breast implants. You may want to wear a two-piece outfit so you can undress from the waist up. Do not use perfumes, oils, powders, or deodorants on or around the breast area the day of the exam. Caffeine can be avoided 24 hours prior to your exam to decrease the sensitivity of breast tissue. If you have has a previous mammogram, those films will be needed during your appointment for comparison purposes. Please make arrangements to bring them with you.

Please note that DMS will obtain your prior mammograms from another facility for you at no cost based on a Authorization for Release of Medical Records Form signed by you. This form is provided by our staff and available on our Patient Forms page.

BREAST ULTRASOUND

Our radiologists may ask for a breast ultrasound in conjunction with a mammogram. This exam uses sound waves to identify abnormalities in the breast and does not require radiation. The purpose of this test is to distinguish between a cyst and a solid mass. While you are in the department the radiologist will let you know your results at the time of the exam.

Some women, especially younger women, may come directly to us if they find a mass. Most of these cases tend to be benign and require no intervention, however, it is always a good idea to check with a doctor to make sure that is the case.

BONE DENSITY (DEXA)

Bone density test – also called densitometry or DXA scan – determines whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break. A bone density test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. A bone density test is a fairly accurate predictor of your risk of fracture.

Our Passion Runs Pink!

Women's Imaging Specialists (WIS) provides compassionate, individualized, and state-of-the-art 3D breast imaging to women. Our 3D digital mammography, 3D breast ultrasound, and bone densitometry services are focused on the early screening and detection of breast cancer and osteoporosis. We recognize and respond with respect and dignity to the individual physical, and emotional needs of our patients. We communicate openly and honestly, and practice ethically with those whom we serve. We realize that our work makes a difference in our patient’s lives and in our community. We exist to provide care to all those who come to us. It is a privilege for us to participate in the care of our patients.